So it’s that time of year again – the new term is in full swing, projects are underway and exams are looming. Although it’s a busy time, most people are excited and enjoy the freedom of being at university.
However, trying to get the balance between academic, personal, work and social life can, at times, be a real challenge.
Past research has shown, that on average, students only spend approximately 13.9 hours a week in timetabled academic activities at university. This leaves a lot of time for students to plan and manage their own time and workloads.
Further research has shown that over half (59%) of all students who are studying at university are partaking in paid work (both part-time and full-time employment). Of those students in employment, 58% are working to fund their social life. These figures suggest that a large percentage of students’ time is actually taken up on activities other than academic related ones.
So how do you get the most out of your available time to focus on what’s important? The answer is simple; DropTask.
With the use of visual task management, your time during education can become productive, easier to manage and it can set you up to be more organized and productive for life after education. To help you get started here are a few simple steps to show you how DropTask can boost your productivity at university.
Everything you need, when you need it:
Step 1. Attaching files
With papers and documents scattered everywhere, finding your notes and files can be a nightmare. With DropTask PRO you can easily attach files to tasks – from Word documents to Excel documents.
Just select the task you wish to attach a file to and the task sidebar will open on the right.
Then click the paperclip icon from the row of attributes at the top of the sidebar – here you can upload a file from your computer, Google Drive, or Dropbox.
A paperclip icon will appear on the task so you can see a file has been attached to the task.
Step 2. Communicating with others
Communication is key if you are working with others on shared projects and tasks that’s why with DropTask PRO you can add comments to tasks.
Once the task sidebar is open, you will be able to add comments. You can even address a member in a project directly by using the ‘@’ symbol in front of their name which means they will be notified about the comment.
All comments will appear in a timeline view in your task sidebar with the newest comments appearing on top.
Working with others made easier
Step 3: Inviting members
It’s a great idea if everyone working on a project has access to the tasks that need completing so they can get involved and track the progress.
To add members to your project select the project you want to add them to. You can then select the Invite people to the project icon on the left hand side tool bar and enter the email addresses of those you wish to invite to the project.
Step 4: Assigning tasks
Sometimes it’s important to know who’s doing what so tasks aren’t confused or duplicated amongst members. With DropTask PRO you can assign tasks to members.
Simply open the task sidebar for the task you wish to delegate and then select the people icon. Now you will be able to choose a project member to complete a task.
Once you’ve assigned a member to a task, the member’s Avatar will appear on the task circle as a visual indicator.
Never miss a deadline
Step 5: Setting due dates
No one wants to spend all night finishing an assignment that’s due in the next morning – that’s why you can set due dates to your tasks so you know exactly when they’re to be completed.
For the task you wish to set a due date on click on the calendar icon in the task sidebar, which opens up a calendar – here you can select and save a due date for your task.
An icon displaying the date will show at the bottom of the task as a visible reminder of the due date.
The above features are just a handful of the many benefits that DropTask has to offer. Remember, DropTask can be used for more than just academic and work tasks – be the host with the most and use it to organize the next big social event or even use it to manage any travel plans you have for the coming year.
